In addition to these beautiful wines, we have also sourced the most mythic vintages that the French vineyard has seen in recent times. Thus, in Bordeaux, 1989 is embodied by the magnificent Château Cheval Blanc, 1982 by Châteaux Gloria (a favorite of iDealwine) and Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. If you like Rhone wines, why not try a Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 from a satellite domain of Château Rayas? In Alsace, opt for the 2009 from domain Valentin Zusslin, a rising star. We have very much fallen under its spell.

Because a bottle of champagne never is quite enough when it’s time to party, make it a magnum, more specifically a magnum of Bollinger R.D 1996. Or get your hands on a case of Aÿ Barrel 2000 from Henri Giraud. A magnum of 2004 Château Latour would work wonders with your best dinners. The proverb « the finest perfumes are hidden in the smallest bottles », is proven by a half-bottle of Sauternes Château Doisy Daëne 2007. A sublime way to end a meal in style.

In recent months, we have seen a growing interest in the viticultural philosophy of winemakers: organic or biodynamic viticulture and natural winemaking are booming. So, take a stroll along the Loire Valley and choose La Charpentrie 2007, the Saumur Blanc from Domaine du Collier managed by the son and nephew of the Foucault brothers (previously owners of Clos Rougeard). The master of natural wines in the Jura, Jean-François Ganevat, is present with his cuvée Les vignes de mon père 2006, while in the spectacular Rhone valley you cannot miss the Châteauneuf du Pape from organic domain Saint-Préfert.

We’ll finish on a high note, with a collectable bottle: the 1930 Rivesaltes from Château Sisqueille. As a gift or simply opened bottle at the end of a meal for slow and thoughtful sipping, this naturally sweet wine is always a big hit.

For those of you who don't want to wait years to enjoy a fine wine, we've added some marvellous mature vintages to our collection 🍷https://www.idealwine.info/new-additions-its-time-to-rediscover-some-classic-vintages/